Pierre Explains Why He Returned to Alabama

One of the biggest additions for Alabama for the 2026 season was the retention of the Tide's 2025 sack leader, Yhonzae Pierre. Pierre finished his redshirt sophomore season last year as Alabama's sack leader with eight on the season, adding 52 total tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles. The Eufala, Alabama, native went from rotating in at outside linebacker to the Tide's starter by midseason, culminating in a three-sack performance in Alabama's 37-20 victory over the Tennessee Volunteers.

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Pierre had the option to return to Tuscaloosa or declare for the NFL draft, but chose to come back for his fourth season with Alabama. He detailed the decision in a Friday interview with former Alabama linebacker Christian Miller on The Miller's Edge.

"Just talking with God, my mom, and my coaches and whatnot. Just keep talking to God about it and making the right decision," Pierre said, "feel like I need to come back and detail things up and just be the guy I need to really be. Really, just tighten up things that I need to tighten up on the field; just become a better person off the field, and just get better habits."

Pierre will enter 2025 in uncharted territory for him at Alabama, as he's now the bona fide starter and is expected to step up as a leader for the Tide's defense that will replace eight starters from its opening day roster in 2025.

Wyatt Fulton is the Tide 100.9 DME and Brand Manager, primarily covering Alabama Crimson Tide football and men's basketball. For more Crimson Tide coverage, follow Wyatt on X (Formerly known as Twitter) at @FultonW_.